Introduction

Tell students they will learn how to summarize a fiction passage or story with the support of the Summary Raceway organizer.

Ask students if they know what a summary is.

Explain that a summary is a description of the all of the main events in a story. It includes the main idea of the story, and some details about its characters and events.

Read the poem Summary Raceway to introduce the lesson.

Explicit Instruction/Teacher modeling

(20 minutes)

Hang the poster size Summary Raceway organizer for students to view. Explain the different parts of the organizer.

Begin reading a fiction passage or story. Think aloud as you read. Point out its main idea and important details as you go.

After reading, begin to model your summary using the Summary Raceway organizer and the Summary Raceway lined paper.

Follow the road on the organizer, and read each sign as you summarize. Focus on the story's main idea and important details as you summarize on lined paper.

Reread a few times, making sure your summary is accurate.

Once completed, reread one more time. Ask students to confirm that you included the main idea and important details while writing your summary. Take any questions or comments.

Guided Practice

(15 minutes)

Read a second short passage or story. Tell students they will help you write the summary. Remind them to focus on the main idea and important supporting details.

When done reading, follow the Summary Raceway organizer a second time. Call on students to help you write the summary. Reread to make sure it's accurate.

Independent working time

(20 minutes)

Before allowing them to work independently, ask students if they understand the Summary Raceway organizer.

Reread the Summary Raceway poem a second time to motivate students to work independently.

Pass out a copy of the lined paper, Summary Raceway organizer, a passage or story, and the poem. Tell students they are going to read the passage/story and then write their summary. Remind them to use the organizer to help them.

Last, instruct your students to walk back to their desks/tables and begin.

Differentiation

Enrichment: Advanced students can be encouraged to write a summary without the Summary Raceway organizer.

Support: Struggling students can be paired with students who show strength in summarizing. In addition, depending on the reading level of the struggling student, have a few passages/stories available so each student experiences reading success.

Assessment

(5 minutes)

As students work independently, walk around and check in with each student. Observe if students are reading and summarizing accurately or having difficulty with the organizer.

Record your observations.

If additional time is needed for assessment, make observations and notes during closing.

Review and closing

(10 minutes)

Divide the class into groups of 3-4. Each will share their summary.

Select 3 students to read their summary to the class. Have the audience share questions and comments.

Learning to read chapter books and summarize the key components is an important skill for young readers. Use this handy guide to assist your child in writing about the characters, setting, conflict, and goals in the book they are reading.